Early Signs Point to Encouraging White Sox Offseason Plans

Chicago White Sox fans want a big offseason, and rightfully so. After an 84-78 season and a playoff appearance in 2026, it's time for the White Sox to take the next step and become a true World Series contender.

That starts this winter with how the team approaches free agency. Chicago needs to aggressively pursue top free agents at positions of need, and no need is more pressing right now than the starting rotation.

By the time the White Sox were eliminated in Game 5 of the ALDS, Chicago had only one reliable starting pitcher. Right-hander Sean Burke had a breakout 2026 campaign, finishing 11-7 with a 3.34 ERA while making three strong starts in the postseason.

Burke alone, though, wasn't enough for the White Sox to advance to the ALCS. And while the organization has plenty of young pitching talent, including Noah Schultz, David Sandlin, and Hagen Smith, who could all continue to develop and emerge as rotation options, the White Sox will need to spend money on multiple proven, quality starting pitchers for this offseason to be viewed as a success.

The good news for White Sox fans is that early indications point to that happening.

GM Chris Getz hasn't shied away from the team's need for arms. Anytime a front office executive, especially for an organization like the White Sox that hasn't historically spent on top free agents, is openly acknowledging a need this early in the offseason, it's usually a good sign that there's a plan in place to make good on those words.

Scott Merkin of MLB.com has already acknowledged that the White Sox may not be involved in the Tarik Skubal sweepstakes this winter. But based on the information circulating at the moment, he expects Chicago to spend money addressing its starting rotation.

From the information I've gathered in the days leading up to free agency, I confidently feel the same way, with some around the league believing the White Sox are poised to hand out the first $100 million contract in franchise history.

It may not be Skubal, but expect the White Sox to be linked to Michael King, Freddy Peralta, and other top arms on the free agent market. That could ultimately lead to Chicago getting a deal done, especially if the front office has conviction in a particular player.

We're already expecting the free agent market to move faster than usual with the impending lockout once the collective bargaining agreement expires at the end of November.

A team like the White Sox, which knows its need for starting pitching, likely already has a few targets circled on its board. With plenty of money available in the budget and a clear understanding of what needs to be accomplished before a potential work stoppage, Chicago should be well-positioned to make a significant addition.

It's everything White Sox fans want to hear as we prepare for the upcoming free agent frenzy.